TL;DR
A profound exploration of mortality, As I Lay Dying follows the Bundren family's harrowing journey to honor their matriarch's final wish amidst personal tribulations and hidden motives.
What is As I Lay Dying about
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner is a novel set in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, detailing the journey of the Bundren family as they attempt to fulfill the dying wish of their matriarch, Addie Bundren. With a narrative delivered through the perspectives of fifteen different characters, the book employs a stream-of-consciousness technique to delve into the complexities of each family member's motivations and secrets. The novel, Faulkner’s fifth, is celebrated for its innovative narrative style and its exploration of themes such as mortality, family dynamics, and individual versus collective desires. It has inspired numerous other works and remains a crucial piece of American literature.
As I Lay Dying 8 Key Takeaways
Addie Bundren's Death
The story begins with the death of Addie Bundren, whose final wish is to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. This sets the stage for the family's journey.
The Journey to Jefferson
The Bundrens embark on a challenging journey to Jefferson, facing physical and emotional obstacles. Each family member's personal motives for the journey are revealed.
Darl's Descent into Madness
Darl, one of Addie's sons, becomes increasingly unhinged as the journey progresses, culminating in his being committed to a mental institution.
Dewey Dell's Secret
Dewey Dell, Addie's daughter, grapples with her own secret—an unplanned pregnancy—and her desperate attempts to seek an abortion along the way.
Jewel's Loyalty and Anger
Jewel, Addie's illegitimate son, showcases his fierce loyalty and volatile anger, providing crucial support during the journey despite personal conflicts.
Anse’s Selfishness
Anse, Addie's husband, displays selfishness throughout the journey, ultimately revealing his true motives by remarrying shortly after Addie's burial.
The River Crossing Disaster
One of the most pivotal moments is when the Bundrens attempt to cross a river, resulting in the loss of their mules and several setbacks.
The Final Burial
The novel concludes with the Bundrens finally reaching Jefferson and burying Addie, bringing a grim closure to their arduous journey.
Top As I Lay Dying Quotes
- 'My mother is a fish.'
- 'I could just remember how my father used to say that the reason for living was to get ready to stay dead a long time.'
- 'Sometimes I ain’t sho who’s got ere a right to say when a man is crazy and when he ain’t. Sometimes I think it ain’t none of us pure crazy and ain’t none of us pure sane until the balance of us talks him that-a-way.'
Who should read As I Lay Dying?
This book is ideal for readers interested in Southern Gothic literature, intricate narrative structures, and deep explorations of human psychology. Literature students, fans of classic American fiction, and those who appreciate complex, multi-perspective storytelling will find this novel particularly enriching.
As I Lay Dying Best Reviews
- 'Faulkner’s novel is a tour de force of narrative technique, blending multiple perspectives into a cohesive, compelling story.' - The New York Times
- 'A masterwork of American fiction, As I Lay Dying presents a poignant, intricate depiction of family and individual suffering.' - The Guardian
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As I Lay Dying FAQs
What is As I Lay Dying book about?
The book narrates the journey of the Bundren family as they strive to honor Addie Bundren's dying wish to be buried in Jefferson, Mississippi, revealing their personal motives and hidden secrets along the way.
What is the controversy with the book As I Lay Dying?
The book has been banned in several US school districts due to its use of obscenity, the mention of abortion, and perceived irreverence towards religious themes.
What was the point of As I Lay Dying?
Beyond narrating Addie Bundren's death, the novel explores the theme of mortality, examining how each family member responds to her death and contemplates the nature of existence.